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OSHA News Release
2008 - 05/16/2008 - OSHA requests comments on the Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza

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Trade News Release
May 16, 2008
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: (202) 693-1999


OSHA requests comments on the Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is inviting comments from the public on the Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza document. The Request for Comments was published in the May 9 Federal Register. OSHA is accepting comments until July 8, 2008.

"This proposed guidance supplements the existing document Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic released last year," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "We want to assist employers in equipping their workplaces with protective devices so that their employees remain safe and healthy in the event of an influenza pandemic."

The Proposed Guidance offers private sector and government employers with recommendations and a method for calculating workplace stockpiling needs for respirators and facemasks. This allows employers to better protect their employees and reduce the impact of a pandemic.

The public may submit comments electronically at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-rulemaking Portal. If submitting by regular mail, hand delivery or courier service, include three copies of your comments and attachments to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2008-0005, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20210; telephone 202-693-2350. Comments and attachments not exceeding 10 pages may be faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648.

For further information, contact Andrew Levinson, acting director for the Office of Biological Hazards at 202-693-1950.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.

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